[KFA1051U]
LET’S DANCE
MAY 2025 SEMESTER
LECTURER: HAZIM IRSYAD ZAINI
FESCO
AJAT NGABANG PEPADAH RUMAH
BY UNIVERSITI MALAYA
No. Name Student ID Programme
1 SHANELY AMANDA SANJAY 22012034 EEE
1.0 Summary of the Dance
During the FESCO Dance Competition 2025, Universiti Malaya presented Tarian Ajat
Ngabang Pepadah Rumah, a traditional Iban dance originating from Sarawak. The term “ajat”
refers to ritual or ceremonial dances performed by the Iban community, while “ngabang” refers
to the act of visiting, particularly during festive or formal occasions. This dance is typically
performed to receive guests during community gatherings, such as the Gawai Dayak festival,
and serves as a cultural expression of hospitality.
The dance was selected in response to the competition’s theme, “Sambut Tamu”, which
emphasises the tradition of welcoming guests. The performance aimed to reflect the Iban
approach to receiving visitors, which is done through calm and respectful behaviour. As such,
Tarian Ajat Ngabang functions not only as entertainment but also as a symbolic gesture of
goodwill and communal respect.
The choreography consisted of repetitive and measured movements. Dancers
maintained an upright posture, with controlled arm gestures and balanced steps. The use of
outward arm extensions suggested an act of greeting. Moreover, circular and side-stepping
motions were used to create flow and continuity in the performance, representing the social
and communal nature of the dance. Movements were neither abrupt nor theatrical, but moderate
and deliberate, consistent with the formal and welcoming nature of the occasion.
Furthermore, the dancers moved in a coordinated manner and maintaining consistent
spacing throughout the performance. Their timing was steady, and transitions between
movements were smooth. The choreography followed a clear structure, with slight variations
introduced progressively. This helped maintain flow as well as ensuring that the performance
remained cohesive and aligned with the overall purpose of the dance.
To conclude, Universiti Malaya delivered a meaningful representation of Iban tradition
through their performance of Tarian Ajat Ngabang during guest welcoming activities. The
dance included proper choreography and traditional clothing elements which properly
displayed cultural values in an appropriate manner. Their interpretation matched the
competition theme “Sambut Tamu” while maintaining consistent focus on presentation. The
group won first place in the competition because their performance strength and cultural
accuracy dedication received recognition.
2.0 Costume
In this performance, the dancers wore traditional attire that reflected the Iban cultural
identity. The female dancers were dressed in white kebaya-style blouses paired with intricately
woven skirts. Around their waists, they wore silver coin accessories, which are commonly used
in traditional Iban dress. Additional accessories included large silver earrings and silver
bracelets, both of which are significant in Iban ceremonial wear and contribute to the formal
appearance of the costume. Their outfits were further complemented by bead necklaces and the
tall sugu tinggi headpieces.
The male dancers wore batik-patterned shirts and sirat (traditional woven loincloths),
combined with feathered headpieces that are typically used in Iban dance performances. The
inclusion of these elements reflected traditional male attire in ceremonial contexts. Overall, the
costumes were consistent with Iban customs and supported the cultural message of the
performance.
